I am not a believer in someone having to be gay to play a gay character. I think all actors should get the same consideration. In fact, having straight people play gay characters helps to normalize gays as people, another character to be played, not some evil that must be avoided as it once was.
@XSGeek @Iskios Definitely, but at the time that was standard procedure. That doesn't mean standard procedure wasn't insensitive or racist.
I look back on my enjoyment of Thoroughly Modern Millie and Big Trouble in Little China, both of which contain unflattering stereotypes, and wonder about my own culpability. (In both cases, all of the characters are over the top and exaggerated, so I'm torn about how to feel.)
@sfleetucker @XSGeek Yes, but you have to take them in context. Questioning yourself about those things is great, and we should all do it, but in context, those stereotypes were part of the culture. You weren't being racist because you thought they were funny. Many people of color find the stereotypes funny too, they just don't want us to apply them to everyone like we once did.
@Iskios @XSGeek I disagree a bit. You weren’t being “intentionally racist.” But it was racism. Part of learning to do better is to become conscious of our racist behaviors and stopping them. Even the best allies sometime still fall into a trap of racism, sexism, transphobia…
The trick is to briefly apologize, thank someone for helping you see it, accept the feedback and learn. Thats how you become a better ally.
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s growth.